Question about Knautia and Phlox blooms

Discussion in 'Flower Gardening' started by Jewell, Jul 26, 2010.

  1. Jewell

    Jewell Incorrigible Gardener Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Messages:
    4,254
    Likes Received:
    3,194
    Location:
    Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW,Zone7b
    I am growing Knautia and phlox and this is the first year that they have really put on the blooms.

    My question is how can I best maintain their blooms and keep them blooming. My son and fiance are having an outdoor engagement party here in mid August and I would like to have as many blooms as possible in the yard.

    [​IMG]
    ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

    [​IMG]
    pink phlox ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )

    Thanks for any input. :stew1:
     
  2. Loading...

    Similar Threads
    1. Lillium_Lover
      Replies:
      2
      Views:
      170,035
    2. AAnightowl
      Replies:
      9
      Views:
      372,320

  3. Droopy

    Droopy Slug Slaughterer Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2007
    Messages:
    12,067
    Likes Received:
    3,501
    Location:
    Western Norway
    You've got me curious now, Jewell. Is there a way to keep the blooms for longer outside?

    I've seen people put umbrellas and parasols over paeonies to protect them from being ruined by the rain, but I guess that rain isn't your main concern here.
     
  4. Jewell

    Jewell Incorrigible Gardener Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Messages:
    4,254
    Likes Received:
    3,194
    Location:
    Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW,Zone7b
    Droppy thanks for looking.

    I am hoping to keep the flower production on some perennials going a little longer. I've found that with the balloon flowers if I keep the spent flowers cut that keeps them producing flowers on side shoots.

    With the Knautia I am noticing a lot of seed pods (balls) if I prune the stem back will that keep them going with flowers better. And phlox I know from past experiences that I should dead head, but how much? Will the side shoots keep blooming.

    In the past I have just let things go to seed and not dead-headed. Now I guess I want to know which flower types (specifically perennials) continue producing with dead heading.
     
  5. Jewell

    Jewell Incorrigible Gardener Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Messages:
    4,254
    Likes Received:
    3,194
    Location:
    Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW,Zone7b
    Droppy, we got a week of really hot weather (up to 97F). I used your covering/shading idea and it really worked well especially for the mop-head hydrenga and asiatic lilies. My back yard currently looks like tent city, but many flowers will make it to this week-end which is all I wanted. After the engagement party for my son and his fiance nature can take its course in the garden.

    [​IMG]
    garden tents for flowers???? ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )
     



    Advertisement
  6. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2006
    Messages:
    18,338
    Likes Received:
    5,156
    Location:
    Southern Ontario zone 5b
    Oh wow Jewell...I'm so glad you will still have color for the party! I never would have thought of tents!
     
  7. Droopy

    Droopy Slug Slaughterer Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2007
    Messages:
    12,067
    Likes Received:
    3,501
    Location:
    Western Norway
    I am amazed that shading worked. :D I'd have thought the heat would get to them no matter what. I'm so pleased for you, and good luck with the party.
     
  8. Petronius

    Petronius Young Pine

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2018
    Messages:
    1,344
    Likes Received:
    608
    This was informative to learn that shading would allow some perennials to flower longer.
     
    2ofus likes this.

Share This Page